Sandie Johannessen to Lead Minor Hotels’ Spa and Wellness in Asia

Sandie Johannessen to Lead Minor Hotels’ Spa and Wellness in Asia

By Author

Published on December 11, 2023

Minor Hotels, a distinguished hospitality group based in Bangkok, has announced the appointment of Sandie Johannessen as the new Group Director of Spa and Wellness for Asia. This strategic move marks a significant step in the company's commitment to enhancing its spa and wellness offerings across the continent.

In her new capacity, Johannessen will be overseeing the spa and wellness operations, development, and brand standards across all Minor Hotels’ brands in Asia. Her responsibilities also include forging strategic partnerships with renowned entities such as VIVID by Verita Health, Clinique La Prairie, VLCC, and BDMS Wellness Clinic.

Johannessen brings over two decades of experience in the spa and wellness industry, having worked with some of the world's most prestigious luxury brands across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. She has a proven track record of delivering exceptional spa services and creating innovative wellness programs. Her expertise has been recognized by industry authorities like Condé Nast Traveller and World Spa & Wellness. Prior to joining Minor Hotels, she was the Health and Wellness Director at Zulal, a wellness resort by Chiva-Som in Doha, Qatar.

image

Expressing her excitement about the new role, Johannessen mentions her deep connection with Thailand, the homeland of her grandparents, and her eagerness to share her passion for spa and wellness in the region. She holds a Bachelor in Yogic Science from Bangalore University, India, and is trained as a dietary analyst and educator from Middlesex University, UK. Johannessen is not only an industry expert but also an avid writer, speaker, panelist, and an active member of the VL Business Club.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, expressed enthusiasm about Johannessen joining the team. He highlighted her visionary leadership and extensive experience, which will be instrumental in enhancing the group’s spa and wellness offerings and contributing to the expansion of Minor Hotels in Asia.

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is a global player in the hotel industry, currently operating more than 540 hotels worldwide. The group is known for its diverse portfolio of properties and is actively expanding its presence through brand development and strategic acquisitions. Minor Hotels operates under various brands, including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, and Tivoli, and has a presence in 56 countries across multiple continents.


Kalyani Developers Targets 1,400 Hotel Keys Across Bengaluru and Hyderabad

Kalyani Developers Targets 1,400 Hotel Keys Across Bengaluru and Hyderabad

By Hariharan U

Published on October 29, 2026

Bengaluru-based Kalyani Developers plans to expand its hospitality portfolio to over 1,400 keys across Bengaluru and Hyderabad over the next two years, including a dual-brand hotel development with Hilton featuring approximately 600 keys in Bengaluru.

The planned development will bring together two Hilton brands within a single integrated project, with Hilton targeting the upper-upscale segment and Conrad positioned in the luxury segment. The partnership marks a significant step in Kalyani Developers' plans to strengthen its presence in India's premium hospitality market.

Beyond the Bengaluru project, the company is in discussions with leading international hotel operators for an additional 825 keys as it works towards its broader expansion target.

Bengaluru and Hyderabad at the Centre of Growth

Kalyani Developers has identified Bengaluru and Hyderabad as key markets for its hospitality growth strategy. Both cities have established business districts and growing demand for accommodation catering to corporate travellers, leisure guests and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).

The company's planned expansion aims to complement its existing real estate portfolio while creating opportunities in markets where premium hospitality offerings can serve business travel, tourism and large-scale events.

Commenting on the strategy, Priyanka Raju, Director, Kalyani Developers, said, "Our hospitality business is an important part of our long-term growth strategy, and our aim is to build destinations that are relevant to the evolving needs of the markets we operate in. Bengaluru and Hyderabad are at the centre of our strategic growth plans for hospitality. Both markets are evolving rapidly, with increasing demand for world-class, globally benchmarked hospitality experiences. Our focus is to bring exceptional quality, service and experiences to these markets by partnering with leading international hotel operators. Our objective is to create hospitality developments that meet global standards while being deeply relevant to the needs and opportunities of each market."

Building a Larger Hospitality Portfolio

The proposed expansion reflects Kalyani Developers' intention to establish a stronger presence in the hospitality sector through partnerships with international hotel operators. The dual-brand Bengaluru development will combine an upper-upscale offering with a luxury hotel under the Conrad brand, catering to different segments of the premium accommodation market.

With discussions underway for the additional 825 keys, the company's target extends beyond a single project and points to a broader development pipeline across Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

As demand for premium accommodation, business travel and MICE facilities continues to shape these urban markets, Kalyani Developers is positioning hospitality as a complementary growth area alongside its real estate business.


Ramada Gurgaon Central Welcomes Chef Dharmender Singh to Its Culinary Team

Ramada Gurgaon Central Welcomes Chef Dharmender Singh to Its Culinary Team

By Hariharan U

Published on October 29, 2026

Ramada Gurgaon Central has welcomed Chef Dharmender Singh to its team, bringing over 18 years of hospitality industry experience to the property's culinary operations.

An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Lucknow, where he studied from 2004 to 2007, Chef Dharmender has built his professional journey in the hospitality sector. His appointment adds to the hotel's culinary expertise as it continues to focus on food quality, consistency and guest satisfaction.

Culinary professionals play a key role in shaping a hotel's food and beverage identity, from developing food concepts and maintaining kitchen standards to ensuring consistency across dining experiences. Their work also contributes to guest satisfaction and the overall perception of a property's dining offerings.

Strengthening Culinary Operations

At Ramada Gurgaon Central, Chef Dharmender's addition comes as hotels continue to respond to evolving guest expectations around food quality, presentation, variety and service. Experienced culinary professionals contribute to these priorities through their knowledge of kitchen operations, culinary techniques and quality standards.

Located in Gurugram, the hotel serves a diverse audience that includes corporate travellers, business professionals, local diners and leisure guests. Its culinary operations form an important part of the overall hospitality experience offered to these visitors.

Chef Dharmender's appointment marks a new chapter in his career and strengthens the experience within Ramada Gurgaon Central's culinary team as the property continues to focus on its food and beverage offerings.

About Ramada Gurgaon Central

Ramada Gurgaon Central is part of the Ramada brand under Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Located in Gurugram, the hotel caters to business and leisure travellers, offering accommodation, dining and hospitality services in one of the region's commercial destinations.


The Westin Chennai Velachery Appoints Dinesh Kumar as Executive Chef

The Westin Chennai Velachery Appoints Dinesh Kumar as Executive Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on October 29, 2026

The Westin Chennai Velachery has appointed Dinesh Kumar as its new Executive Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership with a professional experienced in kitchen operations and dining across established hospitality brands in Chennai.

Chef Dinesh joins the hotel from Four Points by Sheraton Chennai Velachery, where he served as Executive Chef. His professional journey also includes nearly five years as Executive Sous Chef at Hilton Chennai, from November 2019 to August 2024, and an earlier stint as Sous Chef at Courtyard by Marriott Chennai.

In his new role, Chef Dinesh will oversee culinary operations across the hotel's food and beverage outlets, with responsibilities spanning menu development, food quality, consistency and the overall dining experience. He will focus on evolving the hotel's culinary offerings while catering to the diverse preferences of Chennai's diners.

Commenting on the appointment, Deepraj Mukherjee, General Manager, The Westin Chennai Velachery, said, “We are delighted to welcome Chef Dinesh to our culinary team. His experience and understanding of the hospitality industry will be valuable as we continue to create distinctive dining experiences for our guests.”

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Dinesh Kumar, Executive Chef, The Westin Chennai Velachery, said, “I am delighted to begin this journey with The Westin Chennai Velachery. I look forward to working with the team to bring fresh ideas to the table, celebrate good food and create memorable culinary experiences for our guests.”

With experience across multiple hospitality properties, Chef Dinesh's appointment reflects the hotel's continued focus on culinary development, food quality and guest-centric dining experiences.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.